Algerians moving to France get social security number in two stages

Algerians who move to France to work, study or join family must get a social security number in two stages.

Anyone who works in France, or lives there stably and regularly, is covered for health costs. This universal health cover is open whatever the person's nationality.

An Algerian who settles in France with a valid residence permit can therefore claim it.

Who is covered

People who do not work must have lived in France for at least three months to be covered. This rule does not apply to employees or students.

It also does not apply to family members who join an insured person in France, notably through family reunification.

Rights stay open while the person lives in France for at least six months a year. People living in France irregularly cannot access this cover, but may use other schemes.

The temporary number

For a person born abroad, Health Insurance gives the number in two steps. It first issues a temporary number (numéro d'identification d'attente).

The temporary number allows the person to be refunded for care. It does not give a carte Vitale, the national health insurance card, or access to an account on ameli, the website where members open an online account.

The temporary number can be used for nine months, while the permanent number is obtained.

The first step is a request to open rights to the primary health insurance fund (CPAM) where the person lives. It uses the official form numbered S1106, titled "Demande d'ouverture des droits à l'assurance maladie".

A copy of an identity document or a valid residence permit must be attached. The Algerian residence certificate is among the residence permits that Health Insurance accepts.

A passport or identity card is also accepted as identity.

The applicant must also send proof of their situation, such as an employment contract or proof of residence. The fund may ask for extra papers depending on the person's situation.

The applicant then receives a letter with the temporary number.

The permanent number

To get the permanent number, the person must send a copy of a valid, complete and readable civil status document. Health Insurance accepts an extract of the birth certificate showing the names of the parents, or a full copy of the birth certificate.

Health Insurance checks the document, then sends it to a delegated service of the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee). That service confirms the identity of people born abroad.

The processing time can reach nine months. The person receives a letter at each stage, listing any documents that are missing.

Algerian consulates issue birth certificates in French, which avoids translation costs.